FARMERS MARKETS l September means the beginning of the year's main apple season. And that means the arrival of Cox's Orange Pippin, a favorite of this writer...

FARMERS MARKETS l Chicago folks are in the midst of the slow transition between the summer and fall seasons. That explains why there are lots more apples each week..

PRODUCE l An farmer friend regularly sends watermelons of immense size, but she truly outdid herself with this 32.3-pound Giant. Also, meet the Barbarella eggplant

WATERMELON l The legend of the Sword in the Watermelon began with the first delivery of a fruit of immense size. Tackling a 22-lb. melon isn't pretty but it is tasty

RECIPES l I posted about the 18+ pound watermelon I'd received, and predicted I'd soon make watermelon feta salad. Self-fulfilling prophecy.

RECIPES l There are usual ways most people enjoy blueberries. But Natural Awakenings Chicago has 2 recipes that aren't the same old same old

FRUIT l Berry season. Strawberries are about over, but we're on to blueberries, red and raspberries, blackberries ... and gooseberries?...

Gardening l Tomatoes thrive when growing in very warm weather. But there are limits: Severe heat can be deadly to tomato plants.

Farmers Markets l Cherries are the latest variety of delicious local fruit to hit Chicago's farmers markets.

Thursday was a lot, but I managed to squeeze in a first-of-the-season visit to the late afternoon/evening Lincoln Square Farmers Market in t